The State of Photography – A Wrap up of 2008 & A New Year Wish

Despite all the problems in the world, photography had a pretty darn good 2008. While my data is merely empirical, it seems that interest in photography is on the rise. How many people do you know who do NOT own a camera? I can’t think of a single person.

We get hundreds of questions a week and the response on the forums is amazing. We’ve given thousands of dollars worth of prizes in our contests. Our advertisers have had great success, and we know first hand that we’ve helped lots of photographers improve their imaging.

On the industry front – New hardware and software gadgets were produced and sold at a record pace, despite a terrible U.S. economy

On the hardware side, most of the new cameras are simply amazing. There are some high points and low points to be sure, but the overall quality of the cameras being sold today far exceeds anything I could have dreamed of even 10 years ago

Canon’s ground-breaking 5D MK II, the Nikon D700 and the Panasonic LX3 were just three cameras that have us smiling. The ridiculously-expensive D3X was a let down.

We saw video come to DSLRs – first on the Nikon D90 and then on the Canon 5d MK II.

On the software side, all the major players updated their programs, making it easier and faster than ever to produce great images in post. Aperture and Lightroom became a bigger part of the serious photographer’s workflow, propelling digital asset management to new heights.

The Internet continues to expand the opportunities for photographers to get their work seen by many. And social networking like Twitter and Facebook has become the preferred way to share photos. Blogging remained important to photography and mobile technology like the iPhone allowed photographers to share their images with a larger, more diverse group of people.

But there are some low points. The war on photography is stronger than ever. It seems our society needs to have a common enemy and anyone with a long lens will do.

Everyone from badge-heavy cops to nosey old ladies and in between has decided that photographers must be terrorists or sex offenders.

Movie stars beat up photographers and nobody cares.

Photojournalism has suffered this year. More photojournalists were killed covering the war in Iraq. Many newspapers and magazines went out of business, leaving very talented photographers with no income

Despite the negative stuff, I will remember 2008 as a great year for photography. I’ve seen some amazing images come from our own community. I’ve gotten lucky and made some prize-winners myself. In fact, I think that overall, the quality of photography in general (unlike most things on this planet) has improved.

I think interest in photography will only increase, as the recession deepens, people will look for ways to use their cameras to enjoy free time rather than taking that expensive golf or fishing vacation.

Whether or not people spend like they always have on gear will remain a big question mark for 2009.

But going forward one thing is for sure. We all have lots of memories that we protected in 2008. I am glad we did it, and I look forward to photographing more in 2009.

Happy New Year everyone. I am surprised to find myself still here. I’m happy that I am, and hopeful for another chance to make that next great picture.

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Why nail the D3X as being “ridiculously-expensive” and call it a “let down” before even touching one? If it’s purely on price then why give the Canon EOS 1DS Mark III (suggested retail $7999 according to Canon’s website) a pass?

It doesn’t fit my shooting style. It doesn’t fit most people’s shooting style. It wasn’t intended to. Look at it for what it is.

Why nail the D3X as being “ridiculously-expensive” and call it a “let down” before even touching one? If it’s purely on price then why give the Canon EOS 1DS Mark III (suggested retail $7999 according to Canon’s website) a pass?

It doesn’t fit my shooting style. It doesn’t fit most people’s shooting style. It wasn’t intended to. Look at it for what it is.

I don’t need to touch a 747 to know it’s expensive. I can read Nikon’s press release and be let down. I don’t need to touch the camera to know it doesn’t have a built-in self-cleaning sensor, or video for instance. And WHAT, WHAT, WHAT does the Canon have to do with this?

Oh – I get it – you’re one of those bleed yellow Nikon guys?

By the way – for those who follow on this comment thread – we aren’t going to turn it into a Nikon v. Canon war or a rathole on the DX3.

@Scott-I agree with your statements and opinion about the D3X. If Nikon had released it closer to the D3 and before the D700 and D90 then it would not look like a step backward or lacking of features for the premium price.

I would like to echo what others have said about the success of TWIP-it is a great podcast that I listen to each week and the website is well done. I look forward to TWIP in 2009 and the ongoing saga of Steve Simon’s Drobo.

One question-did you review the slide show programs like animoto on TWIP?

@Scott-I agree with your statements and opinion about the D3X. If Nikon had released it closer to the D3 and before the D700 and D90 then it would not look like a step backward or lacking of features for the premium price.

I would like to echo what others have said about the success of TWIP-it is a great podcast that I listen to each week and the website is well done. I look forward to TWIP in 2009 and the ongoing saga of Steve Simon’s Drobo.

One question-did you review the slide show programs like animoto on TWIP?

I picked that 1 thing only because I didn’t find anything else in your post that I wished to comment on – the rest I found spot on. Wasn’t trying to start any wars – I think both companies are turning out amazing cameras and I LOVE the competitive pressure they are putting on each other – everyone is winning because of it. Wasn’t slamming Canon – just saying that they have a similar camera in a similar price range that for some reason doesn’t seem to get the same negative attention due to price.

But I do also think the “Oh – I get it – you’re one of those bleed yellow Nikon guys?” comment was a bit much and that by using your logic every camera ever was a let down (they are all more expensive then I would have liked and all are missing some killer feature).

I apologize if what I wrote was taken in any way other then how I intended. I’m sure I could have made my point in a better way. I enjoy the podcast and the blog very much and will miss your weekly contributions. Happy Holidays everyone.

I picked that 1 thing only because I didn’t find anything else in your post that I wished to comment on – the rest I found spot on. Wasn’t trying to start any wars – I think both companies are turning out amazing cameras and I LOVE the competitive pressure they are putting on each other – everyone is winning because of it. Wasn’t slamming Canon – just saying that they have a similar camera in a similar price range that for some reason doesn’t seem to get the same negative attention due to price.

But I do also think the “Oh – I get it – you’re one of those bleed yellow Nikon guys?” comment was a bit much and that by using your logic every camera ever was a let down (they are all more expensive then I would have liked and all are missing some killer feature).

I apologize if what I wrote was taken in any way other then how I intended. I’m sure I could have made my point in a better way. I enjoy the podcast and the blog very much and will miss your weekly contributions. Happy Holidays everyone.

@Bob you assumed my only objection to the D3X was price. That was not my ONLY objection – so since it appears all your following assertions are based on that assumption – they are wrong.

And the Canon was developed and announced a full year before the D3X so it’s a red herring. That one year – that’s like seven dog years. Nikon didn’t make much if any headway over the big Canon in that timeframe – another disappointment.

@Bob you assumed my only objection to the D3X was price. That was not my ONLY objection – so since it appears all your following assertions are based on that assumption – they are wrong.

And the Canon was developed and announced a full year before the D3X so it’s a red herring. That one year – that’s like seven dog years. Nikon didn’t make much if any headway over the big Canon in that timeframe – another disappointment.

@Vern I will be on the podcast only as a contributor – maybe once a month. I’ll be concentrating on the blog, my new projects (Through The Lens Magazine and Scott Critiques) as well as some other secret stuff I can’t announce yet.

@Vern I will be on the podcast only as a contributor – maybe once a month. I’ll be concentrating on the blog, my new projects (Through The Lens Magazine and Scott Critiques) as well as some other secret stuff I can’t announce yet.

Scott – as someone who recently found your blog I am stunned by the work you do here. I admit that the constant nitpicking by your readers is precisely the reason why I could never do something like this.

In any event, you have shared allot of valuable information here and I love reading the blog.

I agree with your assessment of the quality of photography this year. It’s impressive.

Scott – as someone who recently found your blog I am stunned by the work you do here. I admit that the constant nitpicking by your readers is precisely the reason why I could never do something like this.

In any event, you have shared allot of valuable information here and I love reading the blog.

I agree with your assessment of the quality of photography this year. It’s impressive.

Sadly I think 2009 is bleak. Hopefully by the end of the year we will start to be pulling out of the recession, but I don’t think we’ve hit bottom yet. As for me all the stuff (except the house) is paid for and since digital doesn’t take much money to take pictures I should be able to take some great pictures in 2009.

But here’s wishing the TWIP community a very Happy New Year and remember to stay away from all the drunk drivers tonight.

Sadly I think 2009 is bleak. Hopefully by the end of the year we will start to be pulling out of the recession, but I don’t think we’ve hit bottom yet. As for me all the stuff (except the house) is paid for and since digital doesn’t take much money to take pictures I should be able to take some great pictures in 2009.

But here’s wishing the TWIP community a very Happy New Year and remember to stay away from all the drunk drivers tonight.

I think that all the regular contributors to TWIP deserve both a big thank you and a very well done. Your podcast is first on my list every week – it is both informative and fun…not an easy combination to achieve.

Scott, your hosting will be missed, but your regular contributions will be anticipated – all the best with your photography in 2009, if it continues your tradition of excellence from 2008 it will be awesome.

Too bad we can’t buy the t-shirts in Canada…I would have been proud to purchase and wear one. Happy New Year!

I think that all the regular contributors to TWIP deserve both a big thank you and a very well done. Your podcast is first on my list every week – it is both informative and fun…not an easy combination to achieve.

Scott, your hosting will be missed, but your regular contributions will be anticipated – all the best with your photography in 2009, if it continues your tradition of excellence from 2008 it will be awesome.

Too bad we can’t buy the t-shirts in Canada…I would have been proud to purchase and wear one. Happy New Year!

@Doug Thanks. The last time we sent something to Canada – it got stuck in customs – been there for months. Now we get 10 emails and phone calls a month from the person wondering where their stuff is. Hence, we just can’t justify the hassle. But I do very much appreciate the fact that you were willing.

@Doug Thanks. The last time we sent something to Canada – it got stuck in customs – been there for months. Now we get 10 emails and phone calls a month from the person wondering where their stuff is. Hence, we just can’t justify the hassle. But I do very much appreciate the fact that you were willing.

hey everyone at TWIP thanks for the great year I have learned so much for all of you and your geusts. you have also inspiered me to be come a full time photogrpher, I have aplied university for phototgrphy and hopefully make a living at it. Only one down side I am Canadian and all your are American only, not compliaming ok I am but sad to. what are you doing for tonight any parties you will be shooting? will steve be at times square covering anything? any way love the show Love the site and hope all of you at TWIP have a great new year and hope there is another year to come.

I would like to personally thank everyone who has been involved with TWIP, and especially you Scott, who has not only contributed with the podcast immensly, but also kept the website alive with your insight and tips that encouraged me, after around 40 episodes, to finally buy a digital camera (D40) and just go out and shoot. I have had so much fun, and the community has made this a wonderful year for me and for photography. So thank you Scott, Alex, Ron, Steve, Fred, Aaron, and all of the guests that make TWIP a joy to listen to this past year.

I would like to personally thank everyone who has been involved with TWIP, and especially you Scott, who has not only contributed with the podcast immensly, but also kept the website alive with your insight and tips that encouraged me, after around 40 episodes, to finally buy a digital camera (D40) and just go out and shoot. I have had so much fun, and the community has made this a wonderful year for me and for photography. So thank you Scott, Alex, Ron, Steve, Fred, Aaron, and all of the guests that make TWIP a joy to listen to this past year.

The most significant event in photography for 2008 for me was TWIP. I have learned a great deal from the site and podcast. Like all, I am sorry to hear that you will only be a contributor to the podcast in the future, but I am happy your other projects are prospering. Thank you very much!

The most significant event in photography for 2008 for me was TWIP. I have learned a great deal from the site and podcast. Like all, I am sorry to hear that you will only be a contributor to the podcast in the future, but I am happy your other projects are prospering. Thank you very much!

Scott, Alex, Steve, Ron, Fred, & Aaron,
In 2008, I started getting back into serious photography after a long hiatus. I found all of your work on TWIP to be incredibly helpful in getting me back up to speed. Thank you and Happy New Year to you all. Scott- best wishes in your new endeavors. I hope you’ll check in often.

Yup, 2008 was another banner year for the miracle that is digital photography. So many brilliant things happening. (Looking forward to soon getting me one of them full-frame beauties unleashed in ’08.)

My final act of digital imaging this year was a thoroughly unglamourous but exceedingly beneficial one. Yesterday, the well pump started squealin’ like a stuck pig and then up and died. $700 was the over-the-phone quote from the plumber…at which point I started sqealin’ like a stuck pig and wanted to die….
So, off to the dungeon basement of this 1859 schoolhouse I went, through a forest of musty cobwebs to the shadowy corner where the pump dwells. With my trusty Rebel, I quickly photographed the offending device, capturing it’s convoluted configuration and harvesting the specifications stickered on it’s rusty back. Then, a beeline outta there before I caught the plague…
What a boon that was! Aside from easing the task of data gathering in such a vile environment, scrutuinizing the photos saved me from several brutal plumbing “gotchas” that would have left me high and dry until Saturday. As it was, I got the right replacement unit and parts, and today executed the the installation with no more than the usual amount of profanity and aching back muscles that such home maintanence elicits.
Yes, the miracle of digital helped save me more than half the price of a XSi body, and helped me return to the first world with functional indoor plumbing. 😀
(Whoohoo! It’s a digital holiday miracle!.)

Happy New Year to everyone, and Cheers! to what TWiP 2008 was, and to what TWiP 2009 will bring!!

Yup, 2008 was another banner year for the miracle that is digital photography. So many brilliant things happening. (Looking forward to soon getting me one of them full-frame beauties unleashed in ’08.)

My final act of digital imaging this year was a thoroughly unglamourous but exceedingly beneficial one. Yesterday, the well pump started squealin’ like a stuck pig and then up and died. $700 was the over-the-phone quote from the plumber…at which point I started sqealin’ like a stuck pig and wanted to die….
So, off to the dungeon basement of this 1859 schoolhouse I went, through a forest of musty cobwebs to the shadowy corner where the pump dwells. With my trusty Rebel, I quickly photographed the offending device, capturing it’s convoluted configuration and harvesting the specifications stickered on it’s rusty back. Then, a beeline outta there before I caught the plague…
What a boon that was! Aside from easing the task of data gathering in such a vile environment, scrutuinizing the photos saved me from several brutal plumbing “gotchas” that would have left me high and dry until Saturday. As it was, I got the right replacement unit and parts, and today executed the the installation with no more than the usual amount of profanity and aching back muscles that such home maintanence elicits.
Yes, the miracle of digital helped save me more than half the price of a XSi body, and helped me return to the first world with functional indoor plumbing. 😀
(Whoohoo! It’s a digital holiday miracle!.)

Happy New Year to everyone, and Cheers! to what TWiP 2008 was, and to what TWiP 2009 will bring!!

For good reason. The paparazzi is despicable. Some of the shots they publish are the most disgusting invasions of personal space I have ever seen. I don’t think a victim of the War on Photography is someone who aims a camera up a celebrity’s skirt. That’s a pervert. These people stalk celebrities wherever they go, are constantly in right up in their face, on foot and in cars which on several occasions has lead to traffic collisions to the endangerment of both their prey and random bystanders.

Beyond that rant, I want to express my gratitude for the valuable information and personality everyone at This Week In Photography brings on a consistent basis. Happy New Year.

For good reason. The paparazzi is despicable. Some of the shots they publish are the most disgusting invasions of personal space I have ever seen. I don’t think a victim of the War on Photography is someone who aims a camera up a celebrity’s skirt. That’s a pervert. These people stalk celebrities wherever they go, are constantly in right up in their face, on foot and in cars which on several occasions has lead to traffic collisions to the endangerment of both their prey and random bystanders.

Beyond that rant, I want to express my gratitude for the valuable information and personality everyone at This Week In Photography brings on a consistent basis. Happy New Year.

I want to wish you on this way a HAPPY NEW YEAR and wanted to say that I appreciate so much what you gave to Twip. I just started this year with Photography and was soon hitting TWIP. I have learned and enjoyed so much TWIP and it helped me so much to keep me going.

Your hard work on this blog shows a deep willingness of teaching and spreading your valuable knowledge to other people which I very much honor.

I also will of course miss your weekly attention on the Podcast but just will follow your new projects. I think the Scott Critique is another great way for us to learn from you.

Thank you for all what you have given to me and us in the LAST YEAR and I’m looking forward to learn more in 2009.

Scott et al. Thanks for all the hard work you put into this site and your weekly podcasts. I’ve gotten reenergized this year in photography and stumbled across your podcast a few months ago I’ve been learning a lot and really appreciate your frequent updates to this site. Thank you and Happy New Year.

About me … I used to photograph quite a bit back in school with an Olympus OM-1, you know, yearbook, newspaper, dark room, then whole biz. But that languished for many years. I made a half hearted effort to get back into it about 10 years ago with a Canon APS camera, stepped into digital with a Canon XT 3 years ago, then a XTi last year … however I made a huge step back this year when I went to a Bob Davis / Mike Colon Mastering Your Craft workshop. I was actually interested because I wanted to learn how to make better use of Aperture, but they really charged my photography interest. Since then I got some new glass, first a 70-200 f2.8 IS L, then a 17-55 f2.8 IS, and now I have a Sigma 50 f1.4 in the way … and I upgraded to a 40D a couple months ago. I mostly shoot people, my kids and friends, but if I had a specific passion it would be sports photography.

Scott et al. Thanks for all the hard work you put into this site and your weekly podcasts. I’ve gotten reenergized this year in photography and stumbled across your podcast a few months ago I’ve been learning a lot and really appreciate your frequent updates to this site. Thank you and Happy New Year.

About me … I used to photograph quite a bit back in school with an Olympus OM-1, you know, yearbook, newspaper, dark room, then whole biz. But that languished for many years. I made a half hearted effort to get back into it about 10 years ago with a Canon APS camera, stepped into digital with a Canon XT 3 years ago, then a XTi last year … however I made a huge step back this year when I went to a Bob Davis / Mike Colon Mastering Your Craft workshop. I was actually interested because I wanted to learn how to make better use of Aperture, but they really charged my photography interest. Since then I got some new glass, first a 70-200 f2.8 IS L, then a 17-55 f2.8 IS, and now I have a Sigma 50 f1.4 in the way … and I upgraded to a 40D a couple months ago. I mostly shoot people, my kids and friends, but if I had a specific passion it would be sports photography.

@Gary empirical – “gained by means of observation, experience, or experiment” – I meant what I said – and in addition to teaching photography here I teach English once in a while so feel free to stop by and nitpick all you want 🙂

@Glen there was a photographer on a public beach in Malibu who was photographing a male movie star 100 yards away. The male movie star was clothed and happened to be surfing. The photographer was attacked by a group of thugs and the Malibu police refused to act. No skirts involved. Anyone who engages in or supports that assaultive activity deserves to be in jail. Anyone who condones that activity deserves to be there too. Happy New Year.

@Gary empirical – “gained by means of observation, experience, or experiment” – I meant what I said – and in addition to teaching photography here I teach English once in a while so feel free to stop by and nitpick all you want 🙂

@Glen there was a photographer on a public beach in Malibu who was photographing a male movie star 100 yards away. The male movie star was clothed and happened to be surfing. The photographer was attacked by a group of thugs and the Malibu police refused to act. No skirts involved. Anyone who engages in or supports that assaultive activity deserves to be in jail. Anyone who condones that activity deserves to be there too. Happy New Year.

I am new at all of this..computer,photography,downloading. It is very tough. I just retired so I have some time to learn before going back to school. I am one of the last standing D100 owners:) I got a D 90 for christmas..Yehhhhhhhhhhhh. Sorry AND unhappy to know you will be leaving the podcast.

I am new at all of this..computer,photography,downloading. It is very tough. I just retired so I have some time to learn before going back to school. I am one of the last standing D100 owners:) I got a D 90 for christmas..Yehhhhhhhhhhhh. Sorry AND unhappy to know you will be leaving the podcast.

One thing I’d like to add is that the quality of the photography in the TWIP community continues to impress me. I think the ability to share has also increased the ability to inspire.

I know my photography is A LOT better than a year ago because of resources like this– and you might be surprised to hear I don’t think it’s a technical reason. I’m not focusing (bad pun) as much on numbers like f/stops and iso, and turned my concentration to composition and expression.

One thing I’d like to add is that the quality of the photography in the TWIP community continues to impress me. I think the ability to share has also increased the ability to inspire.

I know my photography is A LOT better than a year ago because of resources like this– and you might be surprised to hear I don’t think it’s a technical reason. I’m not focusing (bad pun) as much on numbers like f/stops and iso, and turned my concentration to composition and expression.

I’m very glad about the nice coincidence of the rise of TWIPPHOTO.com in 2008 and my own purchase of my first DSLR. I visit TWIP daily and appreciate the daily posts as I’m always hungry to read more about photography tips and I like Scott’s style.

In fact, while walking around Yokohama Bay on a photowalk with a friend last week, I kept saying out loud, “Gig Haaa-bah” almost involuntarily!

I’m very glad about the nice coincidence of the rise of TWIPPHOTO.com in 2008 and my own purchase of my first DSLR. I visit TWIP daily and appreciate the daily posts as I’m always hungry to read more about photography tips and I like Scott’s style.

In fact, while walking around Yokohama Bay on a photowalk with a friend last week, I kept saying out loud, “Gig Haaa-bah” almost involuntarily!

Hi Scott,
You are a special person. Thanks for your frank opinions. I have listened to you and the TWIP team since the start. Camera gear will come and go, but the excitement of shooting and getting a great image remains long after. Thats the real excitement of photography. I myself use it more for special family moments and some landscape adventures, but it sure is a great craft and hobby. Thanks for your refreshing opinions, and all the effort in keeping TWIP current.

Hi Scott,
You are a special person. Thanks for your frank opinions. I have listened to you and the TWIP team since the start. Camera gear will come and go, but the excitement of shooting and getting a great image remains long after. Thats the real excitement of photography. I myself use it more for special family moments and some landscape adventures, but it sure is a great craft and hobby. Thanks for your refreshing opinions, and all the effort in keeping TWIP current.

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